Welcome to my guide on the best beginner DSLR cameras available for under $300! If you’re just starting out in photography and looking for a reliable and budget-friendly camera, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’ll be discussing some of the top options that offer excellent features and image quality without breaking the bank.
When it comes to choosing a DSLR camera for beginners, there are a few key factors to consider. Opting for a camera under $300 means you’ll need to prioritize affordability while still ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. Factors such as image resolution, shooting modes, manual controls, and lens compatibility are all important aspects to look out for.
One of the top picks for a beginner DSLR camera under $300 is the Nikon D3500. This camera offers a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, impressive image quality, and beginner-friendly features such as a Guide Mode. The D3500 also has an ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and shoot for extended periods of time. Another popular option is the Canon EOS Rebel T7, which features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, a user-friendly interface, and a variety of shooting modes that cater to different skill levels.
Whether you choose Nikon or Canon, both brands offer a wide range of lenses and accessories that can help you further improve your photography skills. Remember, the camera is just the beginning of your photography journey, and investing in quality lenses and accessories can greatly enhance your overall experience. So, let’s dive into the top beginner DSLR cameras under $300 and get you started on your photography adventure!
Best Beginner DSLR Camera under $300
When looking for a beginner DSLR camera, it’s important to find one that offers great features at an affordable price. With a budget of under $300, there are a few options that stand out.
The first camera that comes to mind is the Sony Alpha a6000. This mirrorless camera is highly regarded for its image quality and fast autofocus system. It has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, which delivers excellent detail and low-light performance. The a6000 also offers a wide range of shooting modes and creative filters, making it ideal for beginners who want to experiment with different styles. Additionally, it has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer photos to your smartphone or social media platforms.
Key Features:
- 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Fast autofocus system
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Wide range of shooting modes and creative filters
- Compact and lightweight
Another great option for beginners is the Nikon D3500. This DSLR camera offers a user-friendly interface and excellent image quality. It features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine, producing sharp and vibrant photos. The D3500 also has a Guide Mode, which provides step-by-step instructions for various shooting scenarios, making it perfect for novice photographers. It has a long battery life, allowing you to take photos throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.
Key Features:
- 24.2-megapixel sensor
- Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine
- User-friendly interface with Guide Mode
- Long battery life
- Excellent image quality
Both the Sony Alpha a6000 and the Nikon D3500 offer great value for their price. They are reliable and beginner-friendly options, giving you the tools you need to start your photography journey without breaking the bank. With these cameras, you can capture stunning photos and learn the fundamentals of DSLR photography.
About Canon EOS Rebel T6
I have found that the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an excellent option for beginners looking to purchase a DSLR camera under $300. This camera offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a great choice for those just starting out in photography.
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 features an 18.0-megapixel sensor, which provides high-resolution images with plenty of detail. This is great for capturing clear and sharp photos, even in low-light situations. Additionally, the camera’s DIGIC 4+ image processor helps to enhance image quality and reduce noise, producing stunning results.
- Easy to Use: The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is designed with beginners in mind, offering an intuitive user interface and easy-to-use controls. This makes it straightforward to navigate the camera’s settings and achieve the desired results.
- Versatile Shooting Modes: This camera offers a variety of shooting modes, including Scene Intelligent Auto and Creative Auto, which are ideal for beginners who want to experiment with different settings and effects.
- Wi-Fi Enabled: The Canon EOS Rebel T6 has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing users to quickly and easily transfer photos to their smart devices for instant sharing on social media or online galleries.
- Great for Video: In addition to capturing stunning photos, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 can also record Full HD 1080p video. This makes it a versatile option for those interested in videography as well.
All in all, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 provides beginners with an affordable, yet powerful DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality, easy usability, and the ability to explore various shooting modes. It’s a great option for those looking to take their photography skills to the next level without breaking the bank.
Nikon D3500: A Perfect Choice for Beginners
If you are a beginner looking for a top-notch DSLR camera to start your photography journey, look no further than the Nikon D3500. With its impressive features and user-friendly design, this camera is the perfect choice for aspiring photographers.
The Nikon D3500 boasts a powerful 24.2 megapixel sensor, allowing you to capture stunning high-resolution images with exceptional detail and clarity. Whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or action scenes, this camera delivers impressive results every time.
One of the key features that sets the Nikon D3500 apart is its beginner-friendly design. This camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and handle, even for those with small hands. The intuitive controls and helpful guide mode make it easy to learn and navigate the various settings, allowing beginners to quickly become comfortable with their camera.
In addition to its user-friendly design, the Nikon D3500 also offers excellent image quality. The camera’s ISO sensitivity range allows you to capture sharp and noise-free images in various lighting conditions. The powerful EXPEED image processing engine further enhances image quality, giving your photos vibrant colors and lifelike details.
Another advantage of the Nikon D3500 is its impressive battery life. With the ability to capture up to 1,550 shots on a single charge, you can confidently shoot all day without worrying about running out of power. This is especially beneficial for beginners who want to practice and experiment with different shooting techniques without constantly having to recharge their camera.
In summary, the Nikon D3500 is an excellent beginner DSLR camera that offers outstanding image quality, user-friendly design, and impressive battery life. Whether you are just starting your photography journey or looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera, the D3500 is sure to exceed your expectations and help you capture beautiful memories.
Sony Alpha a6000: A Budget-Friendly DSLR Camera for Beginners
As a budding photographer, I was looking for a DSLR camera that would fit my budget without compromising on quality. After extensive research, I came across the Sony Alpha a6000, which proved to be the perfect choice for me. This mirrorless camera offers excellent performance, advanced features, and an affordable price tag, making it an ideal option for beginners.
With its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the Sony Alpha a6000 delivers stunning image quality and sharp details. The camera’s fast autofocus system with 179 phase-detection autofocus points allows you to capture sharp and well-focused images, even in challenging shooting situations such as low light or fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the a6000 offers a wide ISO range of 100-25600, enabling you to capture beautiful photos with minimal noise in various lighting conditions.
This camera also boasts an impressive continuous shooting speed of 11 frames per second, allowing you to capture fast-action moments with ease. Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, making it ideal for travel photography or on-the-go shooting. The a6000 is equipped with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a tilting LCD screen, enabling you to compose your shots accurately and easily, whether you prefer to use the viewfinder or the screen.
Furthermore, the Sony Alpha a6000 offers a range of advanced features and shooting modes, making it an excellent tool for learning and experimenting with photography. It has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to transfer photos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing on social media or cloud storage. The camera also supports full HD video recording, enabling you to capture high-quality videos effortlessly.
In conclusion, the Sony Alpha a6000 is a budget-friendly DSLR camera that offers exceptional image quality, advanced features, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Whether you’re starting your photography journey or looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera, the a6000 is sure to meet your needs and help you capture stunning photos and videos.
Fujifilm X-A5: The Perfect Entry-level DSLR Camera
When it comes to finding the best beginner DSLR camera under $300, the Fujifilm X-A5 is definitely a top contender. This camera offers a perfect combination of affordability, quality, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those just starting out in the world of photography.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-A5 is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just under a pound, this camera is incredibly portable, making it easy to take on your photography adventures. Despite its small size, the X-A5 packs a powerful punch, featuring a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fast autofocus system, ensuring you can capture stunning images with ease.
Key Features:
- Selfie-friendly LCD screen: The X-A5 features a 3-inch touchscreen LCD that can tilt 180 degrees, making it perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy selfies.
- Wireless connectivity: With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can easily transfer your photos to your smartphone or tablet for quick editing and sharing.
- Film Simulation modes: Fujifilm is renowned for their film simulations, and the X-A5 doesn’t disappoint. With a variety of modes to choose from, you can achieve that classic film look with ease.
- 4K video recording: The X-A5 allows you to shoot stunning 4K video at 15fps, perfect for capturing all of life’s precious moments in high definition.
- Battery life: Worried about running out of battery? The X-A5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 450 shots per charge, ensuring you can snap away without interruptions.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a beginner DSLR camera under $300, the Fujifilm X-A5 is definitely worth considering. With its compact design, powerful features, and affordability, this camera is perfect for those who want to dive into the world of photography without breaking the bank.
Panasonic Lumix G7
As a beginner looking for a DSLR camera under $300, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is a great option to consider. This camera offers an impressive set of features and capabilities that make it suitable for both photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. With its interchangeable lens system, you have the flexibility to capture a wide range of scenes and subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
One of the standout features of the Lumix G7 is its 4K Ultra HD video recording capability. This means that you can capture stunning, high-resolution videos with incredible detail and clarity. Whether you’re recording a family vacation or capturing your child’s school play, the Lumix G7 will deliver impressive results.
In addition to its video capabilities, the Lumix G7 also offers a variety of shooting modes and creative features that allow you to enhance your images. The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to easily share your photos and videos with friends and family or upload them to social media. The camera’s intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls make it a great option for beginners who are just starting out with DSLR photography.
Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is a highly capable and affordable DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality, intuitive controls, and a versatile set of features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer on a budget, this camera is worth considering.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a versatile and compact DSLR camera that is perfect for beginners. With a price under $300, it offers excellent value for money. I have been using this camera for a while now, and I am impressed with its performance and features.
The E-M10 Mark II features a 16.1-megapixel sensor, which captures sharp and detailed images. It also has a powerful image processor that allows for fast and accurate autofocus. The camera offers an ISO range of 200-25600, which ensures good low-light performance.
One of the standout features of the E-M10 Mark II is its built-in 5-axis image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharp images even in challenging shooting conditions. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who may not have steady hands.
- The camera has a tilting touchscreen LCD, which makes it easy to compose and review shots from different angles.
- It also has built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for easy sharing and transfer of photos to your smartphone or tablet.
- The E-M10 Mark II has a compact and lightweight design, making it portable and convenient to carry around.
- It has a range of shooting modes and creative filters, which allow for experimentation and creativity.
In conclusion, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a budget-friendly DSLR camera. Its compact size, image quality, and range of features make it a great option for capturing high-quality images. I highly recommend it to anyone starting out in photography.
Pentax K-70: A Versatile and Budget-Friendly DSLR Camera Option
As a beginner photographer, I was on the lookout for a reliable and affordable DSLR camera that would allow me to capture stunning images without breaking the bank. After doing extensive research, I stumbled upon the Pentax K-70, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
The Pentax K-70 is a feature-rich camera that offers a wide range of capabilities, making it suitable for various photography needs. With its 24.24-megapixel APS-C sensor, I am able to capture highly detailed images with vibrant colors and sharpness, even in low-light conditions. The camera’s ISO sensitivity range of 100-102400 ensures minimal noise and optimal image quality.
In addition to its impressive image quality, the Pentax K-70 also boasts a rugged and weather-resistant design, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether I’m capturing landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, I can rest assured that my camera is protected from elements such as dust, rain, and cold temperatures.
The camera’s advanced autofocus system with 11 selectable focus points ensures fast and accurate focusing, even on moving subjects. This feature has been particularly useful for capturing action shots and sports events. Additionally, the Pentax K-70 offers in-camera image stabilization, allowing me to shoot handheld without worrying about blurry images.
I also appreciate the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for easy sharing and transferring of images to my smartphone or tablet. This feature has proven to be incredibly convenient, especially when I want to share my photos on social media or perform quick edits on the go.
In conclusion, the Pentax K-70 is an excellent choice for beginner photographers who are looking for a versatile and budget-friendly DSLR camera. Its impressive image quality, rugged design, advanced autofocus system, and built-in Wi-Fi make it a valuable tool for capturing stunning photos.
Nikon D3400: The Perfect Choice for Beginner Photographers
As someone who is just getting started with photography, finding the right camera can be a daunting task. You want something that is beginner-friendly, but still capable of capturing high-quality images. That’s where the Nikon D3400 comes in.
The Nikon D3400 is a fantastic entry-level DSLR camera that offers a range of features that are perfect for beginners. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, which ensures sharp and detailed images. The camera also has an impressive ISO range, allowing you to capture great shots in low light situations. With its easy-to-use controls and intuitive interface, the D3400 makes it easy to adjust settings and navigate through menus, even for someone who has never used a DSLR before.
One of the standout features of the D3400 is its battery life. With a single charge, you can take up to 1200 shots, which is perfect for a day of shooting without having to worry about running out of power. Another great feature for beginners is the Guide Mode, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to achieve certain effects or capture specific types of shots.
The D3400 also excels in terms of connectivity. It has built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to transfer images wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing on social media. Additionally, the camera is compatible with Nikon’s SnapBridge app, which enables seamless connection between the camera and your mobile device, making it easy to transfer and back up your photos.
All in all, the Nikon D3400 is an excellent choice for beginner photographers. Its user-friendly interface, high-quality image capture, long battery life, and seamless connectivity options make it a standout in its price range. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera, the Nikon D3400 is definitely worth considering.
My Experience with the Canon EOS M50
As a beginner photographer, I was in search of a reliable and budget-friendly DSLR camera. After thorough research and considering my needs, I decided to purchase the Canon EOS M50. This camera has been an excellent choice for me and has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and features.
The Canon EOS M50 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. Its 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers impressive image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details. Additionally, the camera’s DIGIC 8 image processor ensures fast and efficient processing, allowing me to capture high-quality photos in various lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M50 is its advanced autofocus system. With Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, the camera locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, ensuring that I never miss a shot. The ability to focus on the subject’s eye with Eye Detection AF has been particularly useful when shooting portraits.
Another aspect that I particularly appreciate about the Canon EOS M50 is its versatility. It offers both manual and automatic shooting modes, allowing me to adjust the settings as per my preferences or simply rely on the camera’s automatic mode for quick and hassle-free captures. The camera also supports 4K video recording, enabling me to capture high-resolution videos with ease.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS M50 has been an excellent choice for a beginner DSLR camera. Its compact design, impressive image quality, advanced autofocus system, and versatility make it a great option for aspiring photographers. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed camera under $300, I highly recommend considering the Canon EOS M50.
Sony Alpha a5100
The Sony Alpha a5100 is a great option for beginners looking for a DSLR camera under $300. This compact camera offers impressive image quality and a variety of advanced features that are typically found in more expensive cameras.
With a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, the a5100 delivers detailed and vibrant images. It also has a fast hybrid autofocus system, allowing for quick and accurate focusing. The camera’s ISO range of 100-25600 ensures excellent low-light performance and reduces noise in high ISO settings.
The a5100 features a 3-inch tilting LCD screen, which is perfect for shooting from high or low angles. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, making it easy to transfer and share photos wirelessly. The camera can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
This camera supports full HD video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with continuous autofocus and manual exposure control. It also has an HDMI port for connecting to a TV or monitor and a built-in stereo microphone for capturing high-quality audio.
In terms of size and weight, the a5100 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and handle. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it suitable for beginner photographers who want to learn and experiment with different settings.
In conclusion, the Sony Alpha a5100 is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera option under $300. It offers impressive image quality, advanced features, and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners.
Best beginner dslr camera under $300
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi | 24.1 MP CMOS Sensor | DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and Full HD Videos
Features
| Part Number | 2727C002 |
| Model | 2727C002 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2019-03-06T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 55mm |
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Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black
Features
| Part Number | 2727C021 |
| Model | 2727C021 |
| Warranty | 1 yea manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-03-06T00:00:01Z |
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Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens, 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Built-in Wi-Fi, Optical Viewfinder, Impressive Images & Full...
Features
| Part Number | 2628C029 |
| Model | 2628C029 |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2023-08-31T00:00:01Z |
| Price history for Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens, 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, Built-in Wi-Fi, Optical Viewfinder, Impressive Images & Full HD Videos, Includes 32GB SD Card | |
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Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle w/ Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens + 2pc SanDisk 64GB Memory Cards, Wide Angle Lens, Telephoto Lens, 3pc Filter...
Features
| Part Number | 1159C003 K1 |
| Model | Canon T6 K1 |
| Warranty | B01D93Z89W |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2018-08-01T00:00:01Z |
| Price history for Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle w/ Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Lens + 2pc SanDisk 64GB Memory Cards, Wide Angle Lens, Telephoto Lens, 3pc Filter Kit + Accessory Kit | |
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Canon EOS Rebel T100 (EOS 4000D) DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory Card, Case, Hood, Grip-Pod, Filter Professional Photo Bundle...
Features
| Part Number | CN-T1001855-061223-cr |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |
| Price history for Canon EOS Rebel T100 (EOS 4000D) DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory Card, Case, Hood, Grip-Pod, Filter Professional Photo Bundle (Renewed) | |
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Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory, Filters,Case, Tripod, Flash, and More (34pc Bundle) (Renewed)
Features
| Part Number | CN-4000D-1855FLK-81423-cr |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |
| Price history for Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera w/EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens + 64GB Memory, Filters,Case, Tripod, Flash, and More (34pc Bundle) (Renewed) | |
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33MP DSLR Photography Camera Kit with Autofocus and 1080P HD - Ideal Vlogging Camera, Includes 24X Telephoto and 0.5X Wide Angle Lenses, Perfect for Beginners
Features
| Part Number | PZJ-PT-US-RE-CF2 |
| Model | REPT3 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Color | Black |
| Price history for 33MP DSLR Photography Camera Kit with Autofocus and 1080P HD - Ideal Vlogging Camera, Includes 24X Telephoto and 0.5X Wide Angle Lenses, Perfect for Beginners | |
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Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging,...
Features
| Part Number | 3380C132 |
| Model | 3380C132 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2020-04-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 105mm |
| Price history for Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132) | |
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Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Zoom Lens + SanDisk 128GB Memory Card + Tripod + Case + Wideangle Lenses + Rtech Digital Cloth...
Features
| Part Number | cn4000d-cr |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Price history for Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Zoom Lens + SanDisk 128GB Memory Card + Tripod + Case + Wideangle Lenses + Rtech Digital Cloth (20pc Bundle), Black (Renewed) | |
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| Price history for EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens - Pixi Advanced Bundle (International Version) (Renewed) | |
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Question and answers:
What is the best beginner DSLR camera under $300?
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is considered one of the best beginner DSLR cameras under $300.
What features should I look for in a beginner DSLR camera under $300?
When looking for a beginner DSLR camera under $300, it is important to consider features such as image quality, ease of use, autofocus capabilities, and compatibility with interchangeable lenses.
Can I find a good beginner DSLR camera under $300 with video recording capabilities?
Yes, there are several options available within this price range that offer video recording capabilities, such as the Nikon D3500 and the Sony Alpha a6000.
Is it possible to find a beginner DSLR camera under $300 with Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes, there are some models available, like the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and the Nikon D3400, that offer Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of photos.
Are there any mirrorless cameras that can be considered as a good beginner option under $300?
Yes, the Sony Alpha a5100 is a popular mirrorless camera that is often recommended as a great beginner option under $300.
